Players Will Wear Two Black Armbands To Honour The Sloane & Varcoe Families This Week

“Our thoughts and love"

2018-09-05T22:53:17Z

AAP

AFL players will wear dual black armbands in week one of the finals to honour the families of Rory Sloane and Travis Varcoe.

The AFLPA released a statement on Wednesday saying players would honour the memory of Margaret Varcoe, sister of Travis, as well as Leo Sloane, baby son of Rory.

The idea was instigated by Trent Cotchin, who approached AFLPA CEO Paul Marsh and AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan last week with the idea.

“Our thoughts and love of all in our industry are with Travis, Rory and their respective families during this most difficult time,” McLachlan said in the statement.

“Some things go so far above this game we play and everything that goes with it.”

Marsh said it was a sign of respect between players across the competition.

“The football industry does an incredible job to unite behind people who are going through adversity. Rory and Travis are two very popular members of the playing group and this gesture, albeit small, shows the level of respect players from across the competition have for each other,” he said.

“I would like to also acknowledge Trent Cotchin who instigated this action. He contacted Gillon and I on Friday to float the idea and ask whether we could organise the players and clubs.

“Our thoughts continue to be with Rory and Travis and we’re here to support them now and into the future.”

Geelong will also honour former Cat and Bulldog Ian Hampshire, who also recently passed away.